Pyramidal Inversion

A compound that has the general structural formula 1 is expected to exist as a pair of enantiomers.



For example, ethylmethylamine (2a) is expected to exist as a pair of enantiomers.



2a and 2b, however, have no independent existence because they rapidly interconvert.  The process by which 2a and 2b interconvert is called pyramidal inversion.



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